Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
Local application of halothane, isoflurane or sevoflurane increases the response to an electrical stimulus in humans
I Skouteri1, C Staikou, C Sarantopoulos
1Department of Anesthesiology, Aretaieio Hospital, Medical School, University of Athens, 76 Vassilissis Sofia Ave, 11528 Athens, Greece.
Unlabelled:
Volatile anesthetics may interfere with pain perception. This study investigates the effect of halothane, isoflurane and sevoflurane when applied locally, to the response of an electrical stimulus.
Methods:
In this randomized control double-blind crossover study 70 volunteers were studied. In experiment 1 (30 subjects), equipotent liquid volumes of halothane 1 ml, isoflurane 1.5 ml and sevoflurane 2.7 ml were randomly applied on one forearm for 30 minutes. The other forearm received water. Both forearms were exposed to an electrical stimulus. The experiment was repeated the following day in a reverse fashion. In experiments 2 (20 subjects) and 3 (20 subjects) the response to the same stimulus was tested after local application of 2, 4, and 6 ml of halothane or 5 ml of sevoflurane respectively.
Results:
Low doses of the three anesthetics were associated with an increased response to the electrical stimulus (F = 8.940, df = 1,174, P = 0.003). Higher doses of halothane and sevoflurane had no effect on the response (F = 2.358, df = 1,114, P = 0.127 and t = 0.840, df = 19, P = 0.411 respectively).
Conclusions:
Low liquid volumes of volatile anesthetics, when applied locally to the skin enhanced the response to an electrical stimulus but higher volumes had no effect.
More Related Videos
03:02Application of Dixon's Up-and-Down Design to Estimate the Minimum Alveolar Concentration of Sevoflurane in Rats with Refined Movement Classification
Published on: July 25, 2025
08:49Assessing Changes in Volatile General Anesthetic Sensitivity of Mice after Local or Systemic Pharmacological Intervention
Published on: October 16, 2013
Related Concept Videos
Inhalational Anesthetics: Overview
Parenteral Anesthetics: Overview
Local Anesthetics: Common Agents and Their Applications
Cocaine is an ester of benzoic acid and methylecgogine. It is used to anesthetize and vasoconstrict locally. Currently, it is used primarily for topical applications. It is beneficial for surgeries on the upper respiratory tract, providing anesthesia and shrinking the mucosa. Cocaine in the form of cocaine hydrochloride is...
Local Anesthetics: Differential Sensitivity of Nerve Fibers
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Spinal Anesthesia
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...